This Week’s Five:Hickorydickory at Chicago Dramatists … Elvis Costello at the Chicago Theatre … lessons in architecture at the MSI … plus, a street art show in Pilsen

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss picks for Wed 05.11.11 through Tue 05.17.11:

1

theatreHickorydickory The Chicago playwright Marisa Wegrzyn is a tough act to follow: After she won the Wasserstein Prize for Hickorydickory in 2009, the awards committee declared a forfeit in 2010. Don’t miss the premiere of the drama—about a world in which we all have timepieces embedded in our hearts, telling us precisely when and how we will die—that broke the mold. But call soon: The clock is ticking.GO:Previews through 5/12; $20. Run continues through 6/12; $15–$32. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W Chicago. chicagodramatists.org

ALSO THIS WEEK: The Tony winner David Henry Hwang, whose new play, Chinglish, makes its world premiere in Chicago next month, sits down with Oskar Eustis, the artistic director of New York’s lauded Public Theater, for a nice long chat 5/16 at International House.

2

jazzThe Engines with John Tchicai Rempis, Bishop, McBride, Daisy: Most would call that an all-star lineup of Chicago’s improv-jazz scene. They call themselves simply The Engines. For this gig celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Sunday Transmission Series at the Hungry Brain, one of our all-time favorite bars, the Danish-Congolese free-jazz pioneer Tchicai joins the mix.GO: 5/15 at 10. $15 suggested. Hungry Brain, 2319 W Belmont. umbrellamusic.org

3

rock/popElvis Costello and the Imposters Costello’s voluminous output and stylistic detours (bluegrass, Bacharach) can be as overwhelming as his biting wordplay and assured songcraft are impressive. He must feel the same: The set list for this show will be chosen by having audience members spin a wheel of 40 song titles, from hits to rarities to obscure covers.GO:5/15 at 8. $43–$58. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State. ticketmaster.com

ALSO THIS WEEK: The CSO composer-in-residence Mason Bates lets his hair down as DJ Masonic in between classical sets from CSO members for a night-owl concert 5/13 at Redmoon Theater.

4

museumsUta Barth The LA-based photographer and former Guggenheim fellow Uta Barth is known for her airy, light-infused images—like a lazy summer afternoon caught on camera. Hear her discuss her new series debuting the same day in the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, . . . And to Draw a Bright White Line with Light. The only thing that could keep us away? An actual lazy summer afternoon.GO: Artist talk: 5/14 at noon; free with admission. Exhibition runs 5/14–8/14. Museum open Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun 10:30–5; Thu 10:30–8. Free (kids under 14) to $18; free Thu 5–8 through 5/26. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan. artinstitutechicago.org

5

architectureSaving a Century of Progress And you thought your home-improvement project had snowballed: Hear Indiana Landmarks’ Todd Zeigler discuss ongoing efforts to restore five homes built for the 1933–34 world’s fair, then transported to the Indiana dunes. But first, read our story on one unsuspecting local couple who signed up for the long haul—if you dare.GO:5/13–15 at 1. $24–$25. Museum of Science and Industry, 57th and Lake Shore. 773-684-1414

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

Our series on weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals is taking the week off. Maybe you should, too.

galleriesThe Chicago Street Art Show If you’ve either a) watched Exit from the Gift Shop three or more times, or b) surreptitiously slapped a sticker on a stop sign, wall, or other stationary object, this show’s for you: a roundup of some of the city’s best street (and occasionally commercial—you know, to pay the rent) artists, including Cody Hudson, Juan Angel Chavez, and You Are Beautiful.GO:Opening reception 5/13 from 6 to 11. Exhibition continues through 6/4. Chicago Urban Art Society, 2229 S Halsted. chicagourbanartsociety.org